INFORMATION For SNORKELING

Due to the increasing popularity of DSDC we are finding many members guests joining us for trips where they swim and snorkel while the rest of us go diving.

If this is you or you are a member planning to bring guests please read on.

Snorkelling within the BSAC environment has its own set of training and skills. Indeed it is possible to become quite advanced in this as a hobby in its own right and it can be an extremely enjoyable past time.

See http://www.bsac.com/landing.asp?section=365&sectionTitle=Snorkelling for lots more information.

At the present time DSDC is a diving club and does not have a formal snorkelling section.

However, for most guests, snorkelling will be something to do occasionally for a little bit of fun. At DSDC we want it to be SAFE fun and from our experiences and observations have some guidance to give you if you are coming on a trip - especially a dhow trip with us.

Minimum Equipment - Hire from Scuba Dubai if you do not have.

Mask - a proper one with tempered glass and not something from the children's toy shop with plastic lenses that steam up.

Snorkel - a proper one from a dive shop, not some thing home made or from a toy shop.

Fins - proper fins that fit properly, you need these as most sites have a little bit of current that is difficult to swim in.

A Float and a line - snorkeling properly is tiring. You need a float to hold on to if you get tired. There are no lifeguards in the sea watching you. Most people will snorkel below the surface, hence the line (a bit of thin rope).so when you come back to the surface the float is still there.

A rash vest and maybe a swimming hat. The sun will burn terribly if you are in the water in the Middle East.

Also you can consider;

A rash suit - even better than a vest it protects the whole body against the sun and also the 'stingers' found in these waters.

Diving gloves - your hands go soft in the water.

Camera - some great photos can be taken

Wet Suit - instead of a float as it keeps you buoyant.

Weights - ONLY IF YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED

Snorkeling (life) jacket - ONLY IF YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED

PROTCOL WHILE SNORKELING AT DSDC

The DIVE MARSHAL is in charge of what happens on a boat / dhow. He / She will determine if snorkeling is safe and approved to take place. Do not argue please if you have a different opinion, the DM is trained to make SAFE decisions on behalf of everyone.

Please remember that our trips are to diving sites. We do not go to sheltered beaches on our trips. Therefore while you will see great marine life you may also encounter currents, waves, cliff faces, sharp rocks, small jelly fish that give you mild stings, and spiky things like urchins. You might also see Dolphins, Sharks, Turtles, loads of fish, birds (some of them can dive to 30 metres), sea snakes and so on.

While in the water divers and snorkelers are responsible for themselves, just as the divers are - there are no life guards.

With the possibility of children snorkeling there must be parental arrangements in place to be with them in the water. Make positive proper arrangements in advance. Don't turn up expecting that the senior instructors, who have come for a relaxing day out, are going to look after you. Help may be offered but treat it as a bonus.

In the same way divers are briefed by the DM, Snorkelers will also be briefed by an appointed person. The briefing will include emergency procedures.

Snorkelers will be 'buddied up' by the DM and dive on a 'one up one down' basis while in the water.

On a dhow trip those snorkeling will be offered basic advice so that the DM has confidence that a minimum standard will exist. All guests on a DSDC dhow trip will have to sign a DSDC visitors disclaimer, just as the divers do, before being allowed to participate.

If you cannot swim fairly well you should not be doing this sport. Please don't put the rest of us at risk by being dishonest about your capabilities.

If you can swim but cannot snorkel come and have a go, for most people the basics are easy and there is usually lots to see.

You need to have some strength, getting back into a dhow is up a ladder, this is not easy if you are overweight or frail.

At DSDC you will not be permitted to bring or use spear guns - if you are found with one it will be immediately thrown overboard, along with you if you argue. This is both because spear guns are dangerous to other people when in the water and mixing spear guns with diving is highly illegal in Gulf waters with very serious penalties. The coast guard can be very aggressive and will probably not accept that the divers are not using the spear guns if they check the boat.